SUPRACHOROIDAL SPACE INJECTION TECHNIQUE: Expert Panel Guidance.

PURPOSE: To develop professional guidelines for best practices for suprachoroidal space (SCS) injection, an innovative technique for retinal therapeutic delivery, based on current published evidence and clinical experience. METHODS: A panel of expert ophthalmologists reviewed current published evidence and clinical experience during a live working group meeting to define points of consensus and key clinical considerations to inform the development of guidelines for in-office SCS injection. RESULTS: Core consensus guidelines for in-office SCS injection were reached and reported by the expert panel. Current clinical evidence and physician experience supported SCS injection as a safe and effective method for delivering retinal and choroidal therapeutics. The panel established consensus on the rationale for SCS injection, including potential benefits relative to other intraocular delivery methods and current best practices in patient preparation, pre- and peri-injection management, SCS-specific injection techniques, and postinjection management and follow-up. CONCLUSION: These expert panel guidelines may support and promote standardization of SCS injection technique, with the goal of optimizing patient safety and outcomes. Some aspects of the procedure may reasonably be modified based on the clinical setting and physician judgment, as well as additional study.

COMBINED RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL AND CHOROIDAL DETACHMENT: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To review the literature on eyes with concurrent rhegmatogenous retinal and choroidal detachment (RRD-CD). METHODS: Several databases were searched for "rhegmatogenous retinal detachment" and "choroidal detachment" through October 2022. All English language primary literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Studies demonstrated that eyes with RRD-CD were very uncommon and had diminished baseline visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) compared with eyes with RRD only. Although no randomized trials have been performed, pars plana vitrectomy with or without scleral buckle (SB) have reported higher surgical success rates than SB alone. Reattachment rates were affected by age, IOP, adjuvant steroids, and grade of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. CONCLUSION: Low IOP and poor initial VA are salient features of eyes with RRD-CD. Steroids can be useful adjuvants administered safely using several routes including periocular and intravitreal injection. PPV ± SB may result in best surgical outcomes.

QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF AUTOMATED OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IMAGE ANALYSIS USING A HOME-BASED DEVICE FOR SELF-MONITORING NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a prototype home optical coherence tomography device and automated analysis software for detection and quantification of retinal fluid relative to manual human grading in a cohort of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Patients undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy were enrolled in this prospective observational study. In 136 optical coherence tomography scans from 70 patients using the prototype home optical coherence tomography device, fluid segmentation was performed using automated analysis software and compared with manual gradings across all retinal fluid types using receiver-operating characteristic curves. The Dice similarity coefficient was used to assess the accuracy of segmentations, and correlation of fluid areas quantified end point agreement. RESULTS: Fluid detection per B-scan had area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves of 0.95, 0.97, and 0.98 for intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid, and subretinal pigment epithelium fluid, respectively. On a per volume basis, the values for intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid, and subretinal pigment epithelium fluid were 0.997, 0.998, and 0.998, respectively. The average Dice similarity coefficient values across all B-scans were 0.64, 0.73, and 0.74, and the coefficients of determination were 0.81, 0.93, and 0.97 for intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid, and subretinal pigment epithelium fluid, respectively. CONCLUSION: Home optical coherence tomography device images assessed using the automated analysis software showed excellent agreement to manual human grading.

VISION-RELATED MALPRACTICE INVOLVING PRISONERS: Analysis of the Westlaw Database.

PURPOSE: To characterize vision-related malpractice litigation involving prisoners. METHODS: Retrospective legal database review using the Westlaw database was performed to identify vision-related malpractice lawsuits involving prisoners in the United States from 1914 to 2020. Main outcomes and measurements were allegations of malpractice, verdicts, and settlements. RESULTS: Sixty-four vision-related malpractice lawsuits involving prisoners were identified. Mean defendant age was 49 years (range, 28-74 years). Fifty-seven percent of the defendants were ophthalmologists and 43% were optometrists. The cases were most commonly from the South and Midwest (n = 19 [30%] for each). Allegations of malpractice included inadequate medical care or treatment refusal (n = 21 [33%]), failure to treat fully leading to continued suffering (n = 18 [28%]), and delay in treatment or referral (n = 17 [27%]). Retina-related diagnoses were most common (n = 18 [28%]). Forty-six (72%) cases were closed, 14 (22%) were open, and four (6.3%) were partially closed. Only two (3.1%) cases were decided in favor of the plaintiff. The most common reason for an unsuccessful suit was lack of deliberate indifference by the eye care professional (n = 21 [46%]). CONCLUSION: The most common reasons for vision-related malpractice brought forth by prisoners were inadequate or incomplete eye care and treatment refusal. Retina was the most commonly involved subspecialty. However, the success rate of these suits was extremely low.

CLINICAL UTILITY OF BETA-D-GLUCAN TESTING FOR ENDOGENOUS FUNGAL CHORIORETINITIS OR ENDOPHTHALMITIS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate serum beta-D-glucan (BDG) as a biomarker for endogenous fungal eye infection. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of 88 patients with a BDG test and eye examination at UPenn (2013-2018). Cases had endogenous fungal chorioretinitis or endophthalmitis diagnosed by eye examination and confirmed with positive culture; controls were without these fungal eye findings. Charts were reviewed for BDG values, blood/vitreous cultures, and eye examinations. Outcomes were BDG sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for fungal chorioretinitis or endophthalmitis, using prespecified BDG cut-off points of ≥80, ≥250, and ≥500 pg/mL as test positive. RESULTS: Cases included six chorioretinitis and four endophthalmitis patients. Controls included 78 patients without chorioretinitis or endophthalmitis. Defining BDG ≥80 pg/mL as test positive, the BDG sensitivity (95% confidence interval) was 66.7% (22.3%-95.7%) for chorioretinitis and 100% (39.8%-100%) for endophthalmitis. The specificity was 74.4% (63.2%-83.6%) when BDG values ≥80 pg/mL were test positive, and 85.9% (76.2%-92.7%) when values ≥250 pg/mL were test positive. For a 1% endophthalmitis prevalence and BDG cut-off value of ≥80 pg/mL, the positive predictive value was 3.8% (2.4%-5.2%) and negative predictive value was 100% (99.1%-100%). CONCLUSION: For endogenous fungal endophthalmitis, BDG's sensitivity and specificity seem good and the negative predictive value is high; a larger ophthalmic study is indicated.

PERSISTENT PLACOID MACULOPATHY: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To review the literature on persistent placoid maculopathy. METHODS: Several databases were searched for all years for "persistent placoid maculopathy." RESULTS: A total of 21 unique patients were identified (most commonly Caucasian men in their 50s and 60s). Mean ± SD age at time of presentation was 58.6 ± 6.9 years of age, and follow-up time was 29.2 ± 51.9 months. Thirty-three (79%) eyes had subjective symptoms on presentation. Five (24%) patients presented with a prodrome, and four (19%) patients had vitreous cell. Mean ± SD logarithm of minimal angle of resolution presenting versus final vision was 0.48 ± 0.50 (Snellen equivalent, 20/60) versus 0.63 ± 0.52 (Snellen equivalent, 20/84). Systemic inflammation and autoimmune disease were associated with worse presenting and final vision. Persistent placoid maculopathy characteristic imaging features that aid in diagnosing this rare clinical entity include the following: 1) plaque-like hypopigmented, white/yellowish foveal/perifoveal lesions on color fundus photography; 2) early hypofluorescence and late "fill-in" or staining on fluorescein angiography; 3) persistent hypocyanescence on indocyanine green angiography; and 4) choriocapillaris hyposignal on optical coherence tomography angiography. Choroidal neovascularization was present in 50% of eyes, with 62% diagnosed at presentation. Although choroidal neovascularization is typically responsive to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, it is associated with poor visual outcome. Systemic steroids are generally used as first-line agents with addition of other immunomodulatory medications if the disease is refractory or recurrent. CONCLUSION: Precise disease pathophysiology of persistent placoid maculopathy has not been elucidated but most probably relates to selective choriocapillaris hypoperfusion/ischemia/vasculitis. Combination of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and immunosuppressive medications may be effective in controlling disease activity and limiting development of sight-threatening complications.

Aflibercept, Bevacizumab, or Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema: Two-Year Results from a Comparative Effectiveness Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To provide 2-year results comparing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for center-involved diabetic macular edema (DME) using a standardized follow-up and retreatment regimen. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred sixty participants with visual acuity (VA) impairment from DME. METHODS: Randomization to 2.0-mg aflibercept, 1.25-mg repackaged (compounded) bevacizumab, or 0.3-mg ranibizumab intravitreous injections performed up to monthly using a protocol-specific follow-up and retreatment regimen. Focal/grid laser photocoagulation was added after 6 months if DME persisted. Visits occurred every 4 weeks during year 1 and were extended up to every 4 months thereafter when VA and macular thickness were stable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in VA, adverse events, and retreatment frequency. RESULTS: Median numbers of injections were 5, 6, and 6 in year 2 and 15, 16, and 15 over 2 years in the aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab groups, respectively (global P = 0.08). Focal/grid laser photocoagulation was administered in 41%, 64%, and 52%, respectively (aflibercept vs. bevacizumab, P < 0.001; aflibercept vs. ranibizumab, P = 0.04; bevacizumab vs. ranibizumab, P = 0.01). At 2 years, mean VA improved by 12.8, 10.0, and 12.3 letters, respectively. Treatment group differences varied by baseline VA (P = 0.02 for interaction). With worse baseline VA (20/50 to 20/320), mean improvement was 18.1, 13.3, and 16.1 letters, respectively (aflibercept vs. bevacizumab, P = 0.02; aflibercept vs. ranibizumab, P = 0.18; ranibizumab vs. bevacizumab, P = 0.18). With better baseline VA (20/32 to 20/40), mean improvement was 7.8, 6.8, and 8.6 letters, respectively (P > 0.10, for pairwise comparisons). Anti-Platelet Trialists' Collaboration (APTC) events occurred in 5% with aflibercept, 8% with bevacizumab, and 12% with ranibizumab (global P = 0.047; aflibercept vs. bevacizumab, P = 0.34; aflibercept vs. ranibizumab, P = 0.047; ranibizumab vs. bevacizumab, P = 0.20; global P = 0.09 adjusted for potential confounders). CONCLUSIONS: All 3 anti-VEGF groups showed VA improvement from baseline to 2 years with a decreased number of injections in year 2. Visual acuity outcomes were similar for eyes with better baseline VA. Among eyes with worse baseline VA, aflibercept had superior 2-year VA outcomes compared with bevacizumab, but superiority of aflibercept over ranibizumab, noted at 1 year, was no longer identified. Higher APTC event rates with ranibizumab over 2 years warrants continued evaluation in future trials.

Obstructive sleep apnea and central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). METHODS: Patients with CSCR without a history of steroid use or secondary retinal disease were matched based on age/gender/body mass index with control patients and administered the Berlin Questionnaire to assess for OSA risk. Patients were scored "OSA+" if they were at "high risk" on the Berlin Questionnaire or reported a previous OSA diagnosis. Rates of OSA+ were compared between the 2 groups, odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval was calculated using exact conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty-eight qualifying patients with CSCR were identified. There were no statistically significant differences between the CSCR and control groups by age (mean = 55 years), gender (79% male), body mass index (mean = 28.2), history of diabetes, or hypertension. Within the CSCR group, 22 patients (45.8%) were OSA+ versus 21 control patients (43.8%) (difference = 2.1%; 95% confidence interval, -18.2% to 22.2%; exact odds ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval, 0.47-2.49; P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: When compared with matched controls, patients with CSCR did not have statistically significant higher rates of OSA risk or previous diagnosis. This finding contrasts with previous work showing a strong association between the diseases. The divergence is likely due to our matching controls for body mass index, a significant risk factor for OSA.

Volume and composition of reflux after intravitreal injection.

PURPOSE: To quantify the amount of drug loss from cadaveric human eyes, which are injected via the pars plana with a known volume of dye at variable intraocular pressures. METHODS: Eight cadaver eyes were divided into 2 intraocular pressure groups: normal (15 mmHg; 4 eyes) or high (30 mmHg; 4 eyes). Each eye was injected with 50 µL of hematoxylin dye, and the subsequent reflux was immediately collected on a Schirmer's test strip. The test strip was scanned and digitally analyzed to determine the area of saturation and total color intensity present. Using a previously established equation, total volume of reflux and the amount of dye within that reflux were calculated. RESULTS: The average total volume of refluxed fluid was 1.68 µL (median, 0.62 µL), with a range of 0 µL to 8.05 µL. The average volume of refluxed dye was 0.37 µL (median, 0.08 µL), with a range of 0 µL to 2.15 µL. On average, only 0.74% of the original 50 µL of injected dye was lost (median, 0.15%), with a range from 0% to 4.30%. CONCLUSION: Although the presence of subconjunctival bleb formation after intravitreal injection may be a concern to the clinician, data from the present study shows that only a very small amount of the injected therapeutic agent is lost in the reflux.

Hemorrhagic unilateral retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible etiologies of a hemorrhagic unilateral retinopathy in healthy patients. METHODS: Retrospective case series and review of the literature. All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmologic evaluation and analyses of their medical histories. RESULTS: Eleven eyes of 10 patients with unexplained unilateral, predominantly deep, intraretinal hemorrhages were identified. All patients were women. Mean age of the subjects was 48.4 years (range, 25-83 years). The main complaint at presentation was sudden visual loss, with visual acuity ranging from 20/20 to hand motion. The mean follow-up was 17 months, and the 9 eyes with follow-up showed spontaneous resolution of the hemorrhages and marked improvement of vision. There was no history of Valsalva maneuver or strenuous exercise. The patients were healthy at presentation and during follow-ups as long as 84 months. CONCLUSION: This series depicts the characteristics of a possible new entity with a review of the differential diagnosis. The visual outcome was excellent.

Intravitreal injection technique and monitoring: updated guidelines of an expert panel.

PURPOSE: To review evidence and provide updated guidelines on intravitreal (IVT) injection technique and monitoring. METHODS: A review of the published literature on IVT injection from 2004 to 2014 formed the basis for round table deliberations by an expert panel of ophthalmologists. RESULTS: The dramatic increase in the number of IVT injections has been accompanied by a comparable increase in evidence surrounding IVT practice patterns and techniques. The expert panel identified a number of areas that have evolved since publication of the original IVT injection guidelines in 2004, the most notable of which were a lack of evidence to support the routine use of pre-, peri-, and postinjection antibiotics to reduce the risk of endophthalmitis, and the role of aerosolized droplets containing oral contaminants from the patient and/or providers as a potential source of infection. The panel emphasized the continued importance of applying povidone-iodine to and avoiding eyelid contact with the intended injection site and needle. CONCLUSION: Updated guidelines on IVT injection technique and monitoring are proposed based on a review of published literature and expert panel deliberations.

Retinal structure in vitamin A deficiency as explored with multimodal imaging.

PURPOSE: To define the retinal structural abnormalities in a patient with vitamin A deficiency. METHODS: The patient had a complete ophthalmic examination, electroretinography (ERG), short-wave fundus autofluorescence (SW-AF) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging. Serum vitamin A levels were measured. RESULTS: A 63-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis and chronic pancreatitis experienced blurred vision and nyctalopia for over a year. There was no family history of eye disorders or consanguinity. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in each eye; color vision as determined with Ishihara color plates was normal in each eye. Anterior segment examination was unremarkable. He was pseudophakic in both eyes. Standard ERGs showed non-detectable rod function, a cone-mediated dark-adapted response to the standard flash and borderline reduced cone function. Serum vitamin A levels were below 0.06 mg/L (normal 0.3-1.2 mg/L). Fundus examination revealed numerous round yellow-white lesions along the superior arcade and nasal to the optic nerve in both eyes. These lesions were hypoautofluorescent on SW-AF. SD-OCT cross sections demonstrated that they were focal disruptions distal to the ellipsoid band of the photoreceptors with hyperreflective images bulging up the ellipsoid and region. The retinal pigment epithelium and the inner retina appeared intact. Limited and gradual vitamin A supplementation for over a month (20 000 IU/day) led to a dramatic improvement in retinal function and to the resolution of the symptoms. The retinal lesions remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging of this patient with nyctalopia and severe rod dysfunction suggests that the retinal white lesions known to occur in vitamin A deficiency localize to the photoreceptor layer, particularly the outer segment. On OCT, they are reminiscent of lesions observed in genetic diseases with retinoid cycle dysfunction and of drusenoid subretinal deposits, an abnormality commonly associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Genetic variants near TIMP3 and high-density lipoprotein-associated loci influence susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration.

We executed a genome-wide association scan for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2,157 cases and 1,150 controls. Our results validate AMD susceptibility loci near CFH (P < 10(-75)), ARMS2 (P < 10(-59)), C2/CFB (P < 10(-20)), C3 (P < 10(-9)), and CFI (P < 10(-6)). We compared our top findings with the Tufts/Massachusetts General Hospital genome-wide association study of advanced AMD (821 cases, 1,709 controls) and genotyped 30 promising markers in additional individuals (up to 7,749 cases and 4,625 controls). With these data, we identified a susceptibility locus near TIMP3 (overall P = 1.1 x 10(-11)), a metalloproteinase involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix and previously implicated in early-onset maculopathy. In addition, our data revealed strong association signals with alleles at two loci (LIPC, P = 1.3 x 10(-7); CETP, P = 7.4 x 10(-7)) that were previously associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels in blood. Consistent with the hypothesis that HDL metabolism is associated with AMD pathogenesis, we also observed association with AMD of HDL-c-associated alleles near LPL (P = 3.0 x 10(-3)) and ABCA1 (P = 5.6 x 10(-4)). Multilocus analysis including all susceptibility loci showed that 329 of 331 individuals (99%) with the highest-risk genotypes were cases, and 85% of these had advanced AMD. Our studies extend the catalog of AMD associated loci, help identify individuals at high risk of disease, and provide clues about underlying cellular pathways that should eventually lead to new therapies.

NPHP1 FULL DELETION CAUSES NEPHRONOPHTHISIS AND A CONE-ROD DYSTROPHY.

PURPOSE: To describe in detail the structural and functional phenotypes of a patient with cone-rod dystrophy associated with a full deletion of the NPHP1 gene. METHODS: A 30-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease presented with progressive vision loss in early adulthood prompting evaluation for retinal disease. Ophthalmic evaluation was performed including visual fields, electroretinography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography and short-wavelength and near-infrared fundus autofluorescence imaging. RESULTS: The visual acuity was 20/60 in each eye. Fundus examination revealed a subtle bull's-eye maculopathy confirmed with fundus autofluorescence. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated perifoveal loss of the outer retinal layers with structural preservation further peripherally. Static perimetry confirmed the loss of cone greater than rod sensitivities in a manner that colocalized to structural findings. Electroretinography revealed decreased cone- and rod-mediated responses. Genetic testing confirmed a homozygous whole-gene deletion of the NPHP1 gene. CONCLUSION: NPHP1 -associated retinal degeneration may present as a cone-rod dystrophy in addition to the previously reported rod-predominant phenotypes and can notably be associated with systemic abnormalities, including renal disease. Our work further expands on the growing literature describing the retinal disease associated with systemic ciliopathies.